What is LTMedia?

Layman’s Terms Media is a startup media outlet, which like it’s founder, is evolving.

I am Rebecca Burton, a 23-year-old journalist who has a passion for science and health reporting. My goal is to articulate  newsworthy scientific data  to the mass media. I want to ensure there is no misinterpretation of facts to the public and policymakers.

My goal of becoming a science and health reporter began when I started taking introductory environmental classes during my undergraduate career. Hearing the numbers and what they meant, I wondered why some information wasn’t on the front page of the paper. I decided to get my minor in marine biology, where I focused on the conservation of marine life.

This blog serves as my platform for experimenting with new and innovative ways to communicate about science, health and the environment. Since I am a fitness guru, I will also post from time to time about my love for circus arts (particularly hula hooping) and running. I cover topics from marine biology to health care reform to science communication. Nothing is off limits and I promise to tell every story in a way that sparks the layman’s interest.

I have been a freelance reporter at several publications, trying to make ends meet and save up for life after graduate school. I also do hula hoop performances to pay the bills and will often share those adventures as well and even relate them to science!  I am currently attending the University of Florida to pursue my master’s in science/health communications. I will be sharing the stories I write, the videos I shoot and and the odd jobs I do to “make it big” (or at least write for a living).

In addition to the stories and posts I share, Layman’s Terms Media also hosts several contributors who are experts in their fields and enjoy sharing their research with the public. Below are the guest bloggers who have made their name known for the sake of science.

Contributing bloggers: 

Megan Khan-Karen is epicurious and has a strong passion for cooking healthy meals on a budget. Her passion for food and nutrition stems from a young age with exposure to cuisine from various cultures. Originally from New York, she moved to Tallahassee, Florida to receive a bachelor’s degree in Dietetics at the Florida State University. Upon graduating, She took one step further to become a nutrition blogger in the dietetics field. She is currently a graduate student studying Clinical Nutrition at the Florida State University with the intent of becoming a Registered Dietitian post-grad. She believes that food has a unique ability to bond people from around the world, to create new relationships, and to cement old friendships. She aims to share her nutrition knowledge with others and to encourage healthy lifestyles through fitness and nutrition.

My name is Wendy Corrales and I’m a 28-year old science aficionado. I studied environmental science at Florida International University and am currently studying nursing at CQ University in Australia. I love the idea of getting people interested in science by explaining it in a fun way, and that is how my anatomy “lesson” videos were born. I truly believe that if people realised how some of the body’s inner processes work, or how intricate, complex and mysterious the brain is, or the way that viruses wage war in the body, they would become fascinated as well. It’s all about creating interest, which is what these videos are about. I hope you enjoy them.